Orlando International Airport is about to embark on a nearly $400 million construction plan designed to squeeze an extra five years of life from its main terminal.

Planners say the sweeping overhaul -- which will include pushing the third-level ticket counters back 12 feet, replacing 18 luggage-claim stations and installing new self-service machines alongside the curbs and the counters -- would allow the airport to put off the far more expensive construction of a second terminal until at least 2015.

The board of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, which oversees OIA, voted Wednesday to spend an initial $5 million to engineer the initial changes and to begin soliciting bids from contractors who want a piece of the work.

US elections 2004

For supporters of John Kerry, who have seen allegations about the Democratic candidate's military record sap his campaign, it must have seemed like a case of just deserts.

The president, George Bush, was last week looking vulnerable on the same grounds after CBS's flagship current affairs show, 60 Minutes, broadcast a report claiming he had been suspended from pilot duties for failing to meet the required standards. It was also claimed that a commanding officer had been put under pressure to "sugar coat" Mr Bush's performance reviews.

But while CBS stands by its story, allegations have now surfaced that 60 Minutes based a large part of the report on forged documents.

Although what one man - even a presidential candidate - did more than 30 years ago can seem rather trivial, the US election is being fought between a self-declared "war president" and a man who, in stump speeches, claims he would defend his country as president in the way he had defended it as a young man.

What's new: Nampa store offers upscale apparel

The former "Sex in the City" star's character, Carrie Bradshaw, lived in New York and acquired a vast high-fashion wardrobe on a limited budget. To that end, her $20-or-less clothing line includes nearly 1,000 apparel and accessories pieces, including jeans, woven and knit shirts, suit separates, wool and cashmere sweaters, dresses, jackets, lingerie, T-shirts, sweatshirts, sleepwear, swimwear, bags, jewelry, belts and footwear. Sizes range from XS to XXL in tops, 0 to 22 in bottoms, and 5 to 11 in shoes."We conduct extensive research to identify those cities and towns that make the most sense for a store like ours," said Howard Schacter, Steve & Barry's chief partnerships officer. "All our research tells us Idaho will be great because people here know a great value when they see it. We're very excited to have our first store in Idaho be here in Nampa." As Karcher Mall undergoes a $14 million renovation, attracting trendy new businesses is a top priority, representatives said.

Local briefs

The Tallahassee Police Department is inviting area residents to apply for the 42nd annual Citizens Police Academy, scheduled to begin April 1. Participants will learn about the inner workings of the Police Department while participating in several activities. The deadline to apply is March 4. There is no fee. Applicants must be at least 21 years old, pass a criminal history check, work or live in Tallahassee or Leon County and be able to commit to attending all classes in the 10-week period. Apply online at www.talgov.com/tpd/cpa.cfm, call 891-4934 or e-mail michele.yown@talgov.com.

Blackout planned in honor of Black History Month: In recognition of Black History Month, Florida A&M University Student Government Association and Florida State University's Black Student Union will host Blackout 2k8 Friday through March 2 throughout the city of Tallahassee.

JOB: Is sales your passion? Do you love sports?

My SFI class is getting very annoyed at a Brit who keeps asking questions (which is fine) but then he goes on and on to give us his philosophy about the differences between the languages etc ad nauseum. The teacher is very gentle and weak so hasn't the oomph required to control, therefore we spend at least half an hour out of two listening to him, and another half for a break...Result. I can still only say...Vag heter du! Any ideas how to get him to give us all a break without getting him all antsy. He's a very opinionated and loudish person. .

Nawaz deported.

Answer is big NO. We were used to corrupt judiciary; Justice Munir and Justice Irshad Ahmad Khan was our role model, oppression was our fate and justice was a dream. Corrupt politicians, corrupt judiciary and corrupt establishment were motto of our nation. We did not speak: 1. When Army Generals and officers were becoming billionaire 2. When politicians were putting billions in pockets 3. When Government was selling citizens for economical benefits 4. When logistic facilities killed thousand of Afghans 5. When Kashmir was sold 6. When unknown unmanned planes killed our citizens 7. When state agencies were abducting, target killing and running hidden prisons 8. When women and children were burnt in Mosque 9. When Quaran and Ahadis were burnt with ammunition There are one hundred when's.

Terrorists launch 21/7 appeal bid

The four, all jailed for life for plotting to detonate ruscksack bombs on the capital's transport network, are seeking leave to appeal against their convictions.

George Carter-Stephenson QC, for Muktar Said Ibrahim, the alleged leader of the conspiracy, said the trial judge should not have let jurors hear what Ibrahim told police in "safety" interviews conducted immediately after he was seized in July 2005.